Do animal shelters allow 15 year old teens to volunteer or work?

Question

Could i volunteer or work at most animal shelters like the humane society at this age? If so, I assume that they volunteer worksers and don't actually pay you... is this true? I love animals and i think it would be fun, but I also need the money...

Answer 1

I think it depends alot on the shelter and state you're in. Shelters around my area, and even the pound, encourage people 15 and older to volunteer. For some shelters: everyone's a volunteer. But it's definetly possible for you to work there instead of volunteer. I'm the same age as you - I work for the county pound.

As a volunteer, no. There's no pay. But as a paid worker - you're probably looking at minimum wage if that, especially if you get cash instead of a check. The reason? Shelters and even pounds need just about every penny and can't spare that much regularly. So don't look to be making a ton of money - take it from my experience. Besides, if you're anything like me, most of that will go back into the pound or shelter via toy and food donations anyway.

I hope you're ready for this job though. It's hard, even when you don't expect it to be. There's the fantastic animals that never get homes. The fantastic animals that are turned BACK into you. There's the animals too far gone to help - those can be the worst. There's the animals who are too angry to reach. It's all a whirlwind and on a bad day - just a certian sounding bark can set you off on an emotional plumett.

Answer 2

Here in Hawaii, they do allow 15 year olds to volunteer at the Humane Society, but they are not paid (that's why they're called volunteers). In most states the Animal Control shelters are run by the city/county government and so hire civil service employees who must be at least 18 y/o. Probably your best choice is to call the different shelters in your area and to find out from them if you can volunteer. Then you will have some experience working with animals and can get a paying job more easily. I agree with the other person who answered that working for a vet or with a place that boards pets is a good place to start out when you have some experience to work. But also, if you volunteer at a Humane Society, when they need someone for a paid position you will know when they need to hire someone and can possibly get your application in first. Since they will know you and that you work well, you stand a better chance of getting hired for a vacancy when they have one.

Answer 3

My daughter wanted to do the same thing. In Texas at least, you have to be 18 to work there. So, she asked if she could volunteer and they said yes, but that at the time, they didn't need anyone. So, I would call the animal shelters in your area and ask, probably each State is different. At 15, I'm not sure they'd put you on the payroll. Probably not but it doesn't hurt to ask so give them a call. Good luck!

Answer 4

Never hurts to ask at the animal shelters - you may also try for a paying job with a vet office- especially where they board dogs, cats, etc.

Answer 5

most place require a parent to sign the form and be present when the volunteer is under sixteen years of age.

Answer 6

call around to different animal shelters....im sure they would let u volunteer...if u had parent permission

Answer 7

I used to do voluntary work for the RSPCA in Australia when I was 14 years old.

It's not paid work but the experience is eye opening.

It's harder than you think. Emotionally, not physically.

Answer 8

Call the animale shelter to find out information about it.

Answer 9

yep i"m sure you can,no you don't get paid but the experience will help you out later,after awhi;e you could set up a dog walking business once you have more handling skills